TGS 2003: Monster Hunter Hands-On

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Capcom's Online RPG enters the public eye.

By Jeremy Dunham

First announced at Capcom Producer's Day during E3, the visually-impressive Monster Hunter wowed audiences with its top-notch direction and intricate creature designs. Just over four months and several improvements later, the team at Production Studio 1 unveiled the first playable version of the game since its announcement -- and it goes without saying that it's a lot different from what we had originally imagined.

On the surface, Monster Hunter appears to be just another EverQuest-type MMORPG; with its third-person perspective, simple chat system, and straight-forward premise. A couple of minutes behind the controls, however, and it didn't take long to recognize the differences at all. For starters, the scope of the game appears to be much smaller in scale: with a distinct mission-based system and an action-oriented approach.

To get started, players need to select their character type (eight different classes in all with different weapon sizes and fighting techniques unique to each), and then head off to the mission selection screen. Assignments can be accomplished in any number of ways too: with the ability to either explore the landscape in four-player parties or go out and test the waters on your own. Of course, you can mix up your style and do a little bit of both, but that choice is ultimately yours.

If going at it party-style sounds like your cup of tea, then there's a built-in communication system that allows you to speak with your teammates and decide on a strategy together. Whether you choose to do so via the USB keyboard or pre-set Macros that can be pulled up with the shoulder button, flexibility and ease of use is definitely there. Unfortunately, the Capcom representatives we spoke with were unsure as to whether or not any type of vocal support would be added in time for the game's ship date next year; as it's an issue that's apparently still being mulled over.

Regardless if you decide to venture off solo or with friends, however, the missions themselves appear to be rather simple in nature. Collecting a certain amount of trophies, finding a rare creature, or tracking down some kind of other target is the primary focus in the TGS sampler. For the purposes of the demo we could skip ahead and play any available mission that we wanted too instead of doing so chronologically, but in another example of gameplay aspects still being considered, it's was up in the air as to whether or not you'll be able to do this in the final version.

Whatever type of mission you choose to partake in, killing gigantic dinosaur beasts is what you'll be spending the majority if your time doing. But rather than give you the typical attack and magic setup of a typical online RPG, Monster Hunter also enables your character with the ability to block and to sheath your weapon. Taking your character out of the battle-ready position can be pretty important too; as it will affect your alter-egos speed quite severely if you're running around with a sword in hand. In fact, if you have a weapon drawn, you won't be able to run at all.

Oddly, the combat system is eerily similar to that of the upcoming Jet Li actioner, Rise to Honor; with attacks handled via the right analog stick instead of the face buttons. This system allows your character to assault his targets in an encircling range of motion, while reacting to your controller manipulations in a more fluid manner. Pressing up, for example, will tell your hero to uppercut an enemy rather fiercely, while pressing down swings your weapon southward like a chopping axe. The scheme takes a little getting used to, but once you have it down, it's makes a lot of sense for the types of battles at hand.

Sadly, the "advanced animal A.I." that was touted earlier in the year had obviously not been implemented yet - as herds of attacked dinosaurs did nothing but stand around as they were slaughtered by the dozens. Luckily, Capcom has promised a much more reactionary intelligence from its beasts by gold time, and when all is said and done should boast a nature-realistic environment.

A.I. issues aside, Monster Hunter was one of Capcom's hottest games of the show, with plenty of domestic and overseas press members waiting their turns to enjoy it. One of the company's biggest hopefuls for 2004, Monster Hunter has definite potential. Stay tuned for more.